Jaguars Trim the Fat at Wide Receiver

Charlie Bernstein

08/26/2008

The Jaguars had to make their first round of cuts to get down to a roster size of 75, and three of the five players they released today were wide receivers.

Former seventh-round pick John Broussard, an undrafted rookies Jeron Harvey and Clyde Edwards, along with undrafted rookie defensive end Alex Boston and journeyman tight end Issac Smolko were the five players who didn't survive to see the preseason finale.

Broussard was certainly the biggest surprise out of the bunch, as he made the final roster last season as a rookie, and the team had high hopes for him this season. Broussard flashed big play ability in the Jaguars home opener a year ago when he caught the first touchdown of the season, on a 56-yard strike from David Garrard. Instead of a sign of things to come for Broussard and the Jaguars, that was the point in which he peaked, as he only made three more catches during his rookie season before injuring his ankle and ending up on the injured reserve after being active for just half the season.

The Jaguars brought in more competition to training camp this season, and instead of stepping up, Broussard did the opposite. Although his speed is undeniable, Broussard dropped numerous passes and his fate was more or less sealed when he didn't play until the final minutes of Saturday's third preseason game at Tampa Bay. With former undrafted free agent D'Juan Woods stepping up, as well as former Mr. Irrelevant Ryan Hoag and former seventh-overall pick Troy Williamson added to the roster, Broussard simply became expendable.

As for wide receivers Jeron Harvey and Clyde Edwards, they didn't flash enough in training camp or preseason. Harvey has potential as a possession receiver and could possibly earn a practice squad spot. Edwards looked average throughout camp and preseason.

For Issac Smolko, this was the second time the Jaguars cut ties with him in just over two months, and the fan favorite didn't do enough to endear himself to the coaching staff. To put it simply, Smolko is just a guy, and the team opted to keep Richard Angulo, Greg Estandia, Charles Davis, and Chris Brown.

Despite Alex Boston having his best game of the preseason against Tampa Bay Saturday night, the Jaguars obviously felt that his game wasn't quite ready for this level. Boston's good showing could make him a practice squad candidate, as the Jaguars are currently void of talent at the defensive end position.